[Weltverloren]

Hey there!

I'm currently using a Creative X7 external DSP/DAC/amp combo, which is a decent unit for mid-fi headphones. However, since I just made the jump from Fostex TH-X00 headphones to a set of Denon AH-D9200s, I would like to upgrade my DAC and amp setup, since I feel like the X7 is keeping my new headphones from reaching their full capabilities.
However, as an avid gamer, I would still be able to make use of a good DSP like Creative's SBX for things like virtual surround.

I thought about hooking up the X7 to an extra DAC via S/PDIF output or switching to the smaller (but more feature-rich in terms of pure DSP features) X3 and doing the same with that. However, Creative's support informed me that I'd be limited to an audio resolution of 16-bit / 48khz when using the S/PDIF output. But what other options are there? So far, I haven't really found any DSP-only units that come with a digital output to hook up to audiophile-grade DACs.

I will be trying some software solutions (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Boom3D, Spatial Sound Card, Out of Your Head, HeSuVi) offering virtual surround sound for the sake of comparison.

I'm sure there must be a group of people around here who use top-tier headphones, but also would like to make use of positional audio for gaming. What are your setups?

Thank you for any feedback! ; )

 

[PurpleAngel]

I would say to replace the Creative Labs X7 with a Creative Labs G6.

 

[Weltverloren]

But isn't the G6 lacking any digital output? In that case, using it as a DSP only with a dedicated DAC wouldn't be possible.
EDIT: Ah, that 3.5mm plug is a mini TOSLINK! Didn't even know that was a thing. : )
Have you tried running the G6 as a DSP only?

Over the last two days, I've experimented a lot with all sorts of software solutions, including

• Dolby Atmos & DTS:X - both of which only worked with selective content and didn't affect system wide sound.
• Boom 3 - which had a really badly implemented surround sound that just seemed to play different channels in different volumes.
• HeSuVi for EqualizerAPO - which can emulate a lot of different VSS implementations, but gave me a ton of issues with some channels not playing at all with some types of content.

So far, I haven't really found anything that meets the performance standards of Creative's SBX surround sound implementation - even though the Creative software is missing some really important convenience features.
Too bad Creative doesn't sell a small DSP-only unit with high resolution digital output.

 

[PurpleAngel]

But isn't the G6 lacking any digital output? In that case, using it as a DSP only with a dedicated DAC wouldn't be possible.
EDIT: Ah, that 3.5mm plug is a mini TOSLINK! Didn't even know that was a thing. : )
Have you tried running the G6 as a DSP only?

Over the last two days, I've experimented a lot with all sorts of software solutions, including

• Dolby Atmos & DTS:X - both of which only worked with selective content and didn't affect system wide sound.
• Boom 3 - which had a really badly implemented surround sound that just seemed to play different channels in different volumes.
• HeSuVi for EqualizerAPO - which can emulate a lot of different VSS implementations, but gave me a ton of issues with some channels not playing at all with some types of content.

So far, I haven't really found anything that meets the performance standards of Creative's SBX surround sound implementation - even though the Creative software is missing some really important convenience features.
Too bad Creative doesn't sell a small DSP-only unit with high resolution digital output.

I'm not sure why you even have need for a S/PDIF (optical or coaxial) digital output?
I would assume your setup would only need to be
PC > (USB) G5/G6 > headphones

 

[hakka]

I run the Soundblaster AE-5 into an Airist R2R>THX789>Audeze LCD2C/DT1990. For music i switch over to a usb connection so i don’t have to change any settings in the SB software.

 

[Weltverloren]

I'm not sure why you even have need for a S/PDIF (optical or coaxial) digital output?
I would assume your setup would only need to be
PC > (USB) G5/G6 > headphones

As stated in the opening post, my intention is to play around with different DACs and amps, so I'd like to run the X7/G6 exclusively as a DSP for gaming and movies.

From what I've been able to read up so far and since all the software-only solutions for VSS where disappointing, I'll just go with the following setup:
PC > (USB) > DAC > amp
PC > (USB) > X7 > DAC > amp

Then I can switch between both USB outputs depending on whether I'd like to get the X7 out of the loop for listening to music.
That way I can also leave the X7 in gaming configuration and won't need to open the rather mediocre software.

 

[Avean]

Over the last two days, I've experimented a lot with all sorts of software solutions, including

• Dolby Atmos & DTS:X - both of which only worked with selective content and didn't affect system wide sound.
• Boom 3 - which had a really badly implemented surround sound that just seemed to play different channels in different volumes.
• HeSuVi for EqualizerAPO - which can emulate a lot of different VSS implementations, but gave me a ton of issues with some channels not playing at all with some types of content.

Just a quick comment. Dolby Atmos for Headphones should work for any content. Ive used it for music, movies and all my games work on it. I think its just working as a normal HRTF surround when there is no dolby content available. In games its fantastic and even LinusTechTips tested it with many users and Dolby won the test for positional awareness. What you mean by "Didnt affect system wide sound" cause it should.